Midnight Inferno Destroys Sokoto NLC Secretariat

A devastating fire in the early hours of Saturday has completely razed the Sokoto State Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), less than 24 hours after workers celebrated International Workers’ Day.

The blaze, which reportedly began around 3:00 a.m., engulfed the entire building, destroying vital office equipment, sensitive documents, and other valuable assets. Eyewitnesses said the fire spread rapidly before emergency responders could bring it under control, leaving the structure in ruins by daybreak.

Although the exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, initial speculation points to recurring power surges from the national grid—an issue that has raised ongoing concerns in the state.

Reacting to the incident, Sokoto State NLC Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu, expressed deep sorrow, describing the destruction as both “unfortunate and disheartening,” especially coming at a time when workers had just reflected on unity and welfare.

The incident has renewed calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s power sector, as stakeholders warn that unstable electricity continues to pose serious risks to lives and property.

Authorities have commenced investigations into the cause of the fire, while labour leaders are appealing for immediate support to rebuild the secretariat and restore union operations.

Source: Vanguard